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It was a bittersweet day for Jordin Tootoo of the Nashville Predators, Saturday.

The good news: he's the team's nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, after overcoming alcoholism to turn his life around.

The bad news: the 29-year-old, pointless in 10 games, was a healthy scratch for the first time this season as the Preds hosted the Winnipeg Jets.

"It's like a stab right in your heart," Tootoo told the Sun. "It's tough to take... it pisses me off. But I can't let that get to my head. You've got to just move on."

That's easier for the rugged fireplug than it used to be, one of the byproducts of being sober for more than a year.

"I'm a lot more calm and take things in stride," he said. "I've had a career year so far this year. But as of late, it hasn't really been going my way."

Tootoo had six goals and a career-high 29 points when he hit his current slump. The next game he plays will be his 73rd of the season, also a career high.

A product of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, and the first Inuit in the NHL, the former Brandon junior says the Masterton nomination, which recognizes perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey, is quite an honour.

"A lot's gone on over the last year and a half," he said. "It's a life-changer for me. Great support from my teammates, and the organization's been unbelievable. Friends and family, I can't thank them enough."